"We took videos of these children, asking them to share their wishes," Du says. "Their answers will be screened during the performance, giving them a voice in the production.

"I asked myself what kind of impact this production could have on these children," she says. "What comes next after the performances? I want them to dare to dream and fulfill those dreams. I also want them to teach their children to sing these old folk songs and pass on the Jino drum dance to future generations."

The Ocean Etched in the Forest is a product of Du's FutureTradition initiative, which she launched in 2017. The project focuses on illuminating the roots of folk art and building cross-regional collaborations. For Du, tradition and innovation are not opposites but complementary forces.

"Cultural evolution has always been about resilience and creativity," she says. "No matter where you are, young generations share a curiosity about their roots, and through cultural exchange, new forms of art are born."

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn